How do you solve #2x+12-7x=-2?#

1 Answer
Jun 23, 2018

See a solution process below:

Explanation:

First, group and combine like terms on the left side of the equation:

#2x + 12 - 7x = -2#

#2x - 7x + 12 = -2#

#(2 - 7)x + 12 = -2#

#-5x + 12 = -2#

Next, subtract #color(red)(12)# from each side of the equation to isolate the #x# term while keeping the equation balanced:

#-5x + 12 - color(red)(12) = -2 - color(red)(12)#

#-5x + 0 = -14#

#-5x = -14#

Now, divide each side of the equation by #color(red)(-5)# to solve for #x# while keeping the equation balanced:

#(-5x)/color(red)(-5) = -14/color(red)(-5)#

#(color(red)(cancel(color(black)(-5)))x)/cancel(color(red)(-5)) = 14/5#

#x = 14/5#